Think Talent

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from the Team at Think Talent! As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we've shared with our clients, candidates, and partners this year. Our team has had a dynamic and busy year working alongside the best talent organisations across Australia. We’re incredibly grateful for the relationships we've built and the opportunities we've been a part of. Your trust, collaboration, and support have been the driving force behind our success, and we’re excited for all that lies ahead in 2025! So, here’s to celebrating the holiday season with joy, gratitude, and a well-deserved break! Wishing you all a festive season filled with peace, joy, and prosperity. Our office will be taking a well earned break until the 6th of Jan, however we look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections and creating impactful opportunities in the New Year, being 2025. Can you believe it is here already....time really does fly when you are having fun! Ainsley Johnstone, Jason Hunwick, Michelle Mason, Allison Hunwick, Cassandra Goodman Kylie Kneale, Aidan Long, Mitch Hancock, Tim Gunn, Olea Cowan. #Christmas2024 #NewYear2025

Are you a People & Culture professional ready to take the next step in your career? I am partnering with a purpose-driven organisation on a newly created P&C Business Partner role. Reporting directly to the Chief People & Culture Officer, this hands-on opportunity is your chance to deliver practical HR solutions that enhance employee experiences and support effective people strategies. Join a progressive organisation where people and purpose go hand in hand. If you’re collaborative, solutions-focused, and ready for your next HR challenge, let’s connect! Apply now or contact me for a confidential discussion on 0498 777 813. https://lnkd.in/g3hwEkrn #HRJobs #PeopleAndCulture #CareerOpportunity #PurposeDriven

🚨 ER and IR Specialists are HOT property right now! What can you do to secure the best talent?🚨 Starting January 1, 2025, the employment landscape will undergo a seismic shift with the implementation of new Fair Work legislation aimed at transforming workplace practices and protecting employees. Here's what you need to know about the "Closing Loopholes" laws: 1️⃣ Wage Theft Criminalisation: Intentional underpayment of wages will become a criminal offense. 2️⃣ Right to Disconnect: New measures to protect employees' work-life balance. 3️⃣ Casual Employment Redefined: A fresh definition of "casual employee" with significant implications. 4️⃣ Labour Hire Reforms: Ensuring labour hire employees earn equal pay to directly hired counterparts. 5️⃣ Sexual Harassment Act Amendments: Employers must now eliminate harassment, discrimination, hostile environments, and victimisation. These changes are driving unprecedented demand for Employee Relations (ER) and Industrial Relations (IR) professionals, as employers scramble to mitigate risks and navigate the evolving regulatory environment. But this surge in demand is creating fierce competition in the talent market, leading to: 🔹 Rising contractor rates—often double, triple the pay of permanent roles. 🔹 A divide between contract vs. permanent preferences. 🔹 Heightened pressure on employers to adapt and attract top talent. So, what can you do to secure top talent in 2025?    Recognise that talent will be short in this new environment, which means you may need to make hiring decisions with less candidate options. Be clear about the brief and if you find a strong fit make a call quickly. Understand the demand for expertise puts candidates in the driver’s seat, so you may need to consider higher permanent salaries than normal and candidate employment preferences, like day rate contracts, will start to surface. If you can, be flexible in your approach – for example, contractor or temp to perm solutions allow you to move quickly on candidates with limited risk, bring in expertise that can hit the ground running and foster a project mindset that should speed up delivery. Partner with recruiters who deeply understand this space to secure top-tier talent rolling off projects or those thinking about their next move before they hit the market. As a specialist recruiter in ER/IR, I’m actively connecting employers and candidates to help them succeed in this rapidly changing landscape. 📢 For candidates: If you’re in the ER/IR space, let’s chat - I have several opportunities that may align with your expertise. 📢 For employers: Tap into my extensive network to access the best talent in this competitive market. Let’s navigate this new era together! Reach out for a confidential discussion. #ER #IR #FairWork #WageTheft #Legislation2025 #Recruitment #WorkplaceTransformation

As 2024 winds down, many of us are sprinting to the finish line—but at what cost? Recent data highlights that 38% of Australian workers are experiencing burnout, with rates climbing to 42% among women. Yet, nearly 70% of managers believe employee wellbeing has improved or stayed steady, revealing a clear gap in workplace perceptions. The end of the year is when burnout often peaks. Deadlines pile up, personal and professional pressures collide, and we convince ourselves that exhaustion equals productivity. But here’s the truth: sacrificing your well-being isn’t a sign of commitment; it’s a sign that something needs to change. What can leaders and individuals do? Leaders: Start honest conversations about wellbeing. Build trust by recognising the pressures your teams face. Hybrid work models and flexible schedules have been proven to reduce burnout and increase engagement. Individuals: Prioritise self-care without guilt. This might mean setting boundaries or even saying “no.” Your value isn’t tied to how much you can endure. As a recruiter, I see the ripple effects of burnout on both candidates and clients—strained hiring decisions, financial pressures, overwhelmed professionals, and missed opportunities. But burnout doesn’t have to define the way we end our year. Cultures that value balance are the ones that foster sustainable success. Let’s finish strong 💪 #burnout #wellbeing #culture #balance #selfcare Data Referenced - https://lnkd.in/ge8vFj3b https://lnkd.in/gCUBdZGf

🎄 Drive Transformation Through the Holiday Season and Beyond 🎄 At Think Talent, we specialize in supporting businesses through periods of transformation -- whether you're navigating growth, change, or strategic realignment. From enterprise organizations to mid-sized and boutique firms, one thing unites our clients: their commitment to transformation. Australia is undergoing transformation on every level. As your business evolves, ensuring continuity while pursuing change is critical, especially during the busy holiday season. That’s where interim contractors can make all the difference. 💥The Power of Interim Contractors in Transformation💪 Interim contractors provide the agility, expertise, and continuity businesses need to sustain transformation efforts—even during peak holiday challenges like staff shortages, annual leave, and seasonal demands. Here’s why they’re a game-changer: ► Agility: Quickly bring in talent when and where you need it. ► Expertise: Access experienced professionals who can contribute immediately. ► Cost-Effectiveness: Manage risk and maintain flexibility without long-term commitments. ► Continuity: Keep projects on track and ensure deadlines are met, regardless of the season. Whether you're focusing on People & Culture, Marketing & Communications, Product Development, or Executive Strategy, our extensive network of skilled professionals is ready to step in and drive your transformation forward. 🤔 Why Choose Think Talent? We understand transformation. By connecting you with contractors who are not only capable but also aligned with your strategic goals, we ensure your progress doesn’t stall—even when the holidays are in full swing. Let’s discuss how we can support your transformation journey this Christmas and beyond. Get in touch today! 🥇🤝🎯 Ainsley Johnstone Jason Hunwick Michelle Mason Allison Hunwick #BusinessTransformation #InterimContractors #AgilityInBusiness #SeasonalSupport #ThinkTalent #TalentSolutions #StaffingStrategies #FlexibleWorkforce #TransformationLeadership

🚀 Exciting Opportunity Alert! 🚀 Think Talent is thrilled to partner with a globally renowned manufacturing leader known for its values-driven culture and commitment to best practices. We’re searching for an Employee Relations Manager (12 month FTC)—a vital, people-focused role that drives impactful outcomes across a dedicated cohort within the organisation. About the Role: Based in either Wodonga or Melbourne, the Employee Relations Manager will support line managers within manufacturing sites and corporate office (Sales) to navigate ER matters and foster strong, balanced working relationships. This role is ideal for those who are passionate about making a difference in an ethical, progressive organisation. Key Experience We’re Looking For: ⦁ Deep expertise in Human Resources Policies and Practices ⦁ Strong Labour and Employee Relations skills, with experience in unionised environments ⦁ A proactive Culture Champion with a passion for positive change For immediate consideration, click “Apply Now” or reach out to Jason Hunwick at Think Talent on 0400 005 602 for a confidential chat. 👉 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eFjRYSkf Ainsley Johnstone Michelle Mason Allison Hunwick #EmployeeRelations #HRManagement #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleStrategy #HumanResources #EmployeeExperience #LaborRelations #WorkplaceWellness #HRLeadership #ConflictResolution #TalentManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleOperations #OrganizationalDevelopment

Just had to share a moment of appreciation ✨ This is my view at Think Talent. A beautiful old tree shading busy Collins Street. With all that is going on in the world, I reflect on how lucky I am to have a peaceful moment to think about our journey over the past 10 years and wonder how old this tree is and what it has seen 🤔 I must say I love seeing all the people I’ve had the joy of working with pop up on my feed too 🙏

Are you a Marketing Specialist ready to level up and make a meaningful impact? I'm partnering with a leading not-for-profit dedicated to empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing children across Australia. This newly created Marketing Specialist role is a great chance to step into leadership! The Role: - Lead a small team - Execute an existing marketing plan with opportunity to shape future marketing strategies - Drive digital campaigns, content, and PR initiatives - Support sales and event management If you're a natural leader with a passion for purpose-driven work, please reach out or apply now. #MarketingLeadership #CareerGrowth #PurposeDrivenMarketing

It is not often that you get to celebrate an 8th year anniversary these days, but I am thrilled to honour Michelle Mason's time at Think Talent ✨ I remember the moment, like it was yesterday, when Michelle came into Think Talent for the first time. She had just finished an EA role with the lovely Cassandra Goodman and she was looking for a new temp role to support her travels around Australia. There was something special about this savvy Canadian that stood out to us from the start and instead we offered her the opportunity to work for us. Michelle started life at Think Talent as our EA and supported me through our formative years which were both exciting and dynamic to say the least! With a background in sales at the Calgary Flames, growth was in her blood and it has been my privilege to see her flourish and progress from EA to Director over the years.   So, why so long at Think Talent? You will have to ask Michelle….but.... I think it has something to do with the fact that she has never stopped learning and growing.  Also, I like to think that we have created a special bond over the years and Think Talent has become her home away from home. Congratulations Mich. You are a beautiful human, a loyal and caring friend and Think Talent would not have been the same with out you and your wicked sense of humour! Thank you for your massive contribution and support. Its been a joy working with you and I look forward to achieving many more successes together! I know you love the photo on the left.. I just can't see the difference myself! You must be having fun because you haven't aged a bit 🎂 Maybe this is just the beginning? Enjoy this milestone and a restful long weekend!

In the ever-evolving landscape of job hunting, interviews have become a battleground. Standing out from the sea of qualified candidates is no easy feat, but fear not, with a strategic approach and a dash of creativity and confidence, you can ace your interview and land the role you were made for.  Elevate your storytelling skills:  ● Craft a compelling narrative: Don't just list achievements; weave them into a story that showcases your skills, growth, and impact. Highlight challenges overcome, lessons learned, and the positive outcomes you've delivered. ● Quantify your victories: Numbers speak volumes. Use data and metrics to demonstrate the tangible impact of your work. Did you increase sales by 20%? Streamline a process, saving the company X hours? Quantify your contributions to make a lasting impression. ● Embrace the leading role of your own story: Avoid focusing solely on teamwork. While collaboration is important, highlight your individual initiative, problem-solving skills, and leadership moments. Become a Tech-Savvy Interviewer: ● Master the virtual stage: Whether it's Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, familiarize yourself with the platform beforehand. Practice your lighting, audio, and background to create a professional virtual presence. ● Embrace the tech tools: Utilize online tools like presentation software, shared documents, or even virtual whiteboards to showcase your ideas and demonstrate your tech-savviness. ● Turn the tables (politely): Ask insightful questions that demonstrate your research and genuine interest in the company and role. This shows you're not just applying for any job, but actively seeking a specific opportunity. Beyond the Basics: ● Be the brand, not just the resume: Dress professionally, but don't be afraid to inject your personality through subtle touches. A statement scarf, a unique piece of jewellery – anything that reflects your personal brand without being distracting. ● Show, don't tell: Prepare case studies, project demos, or even short video presentations that showcase your skills and achievements in action. Visual storytelling can be incredibly impactful. ● Follow-up like a pro: A well-crafted thank-you email reiterating your interest and key points discussed is crucial. Consider sending a personalized LinkedIn message to the interviewer, expressing your continued enthusiasm. Remember: ● Authenticity is key: Be yourself, flaws and all. Employers value genuine personalities over polished facades. ● Confidence is contagious: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Your confidence will shine through and make a lasting impression. ● Preparation is power: Research the company, the role, and potential interviewers. The more prepared you are, the more confident and impressive you'll be. So, go forth, job seeker, and conquer the interview jungle! And remember, if you need any further help refining your interview skills, we're just a click away. Good luck!